Born in the Finistère region of France, Jenny Le Guillou started working for Delacroix sometime around 1835 and remained with him to his death; she was with him when he died on 13 August 1863.
She was initially a loyal housekeeper, sparing the painter any material concerns, and in time became his friend and confidante. In 1855, Delacroix said that she was "the only being whose heart belongs unconditionally to me."
